WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus proved to the world that women in wrestling were a lot more than just T&A.

The diva to end all divas will rightly take her place among the greats at the Wrestlemania showpiece.

And she’ll be remembered as a performer of depth and versatility to stand shoulder to shoulder with her male peers.

Trish, 37, says the seven years that have elapsed since she hung up her boots as a full-timer might as well have been seven days – her busy business commitments have seen to that.

Speaking exclusively to FT this week, the charming and articulate Canadian, and multiple WWE women’s world champion says that hearing she was to be honoured at this year’s event was a shock, telling me: “It was a great way to kick off my 2013!

“It was a great surprise as I feel like I was wrestling last week.

“Wrestling is still part of my everyday, I watch it every week.”

Trish’s seven titles came at a time when women’s wrestling enjoyed near parity with the men – which sadly is not the case today.

She says: “I guess our era, Lita, Molly, Jazz, the calibre remains untouched. More importantly we had the focus and the backing of the company in developing our characters and storylines.

“Right now they don’t enjoy that same focus and you have to rebuild and I guess it still lacks the character development.

“Sometimes it’s discouraging for the girls, but they have kept their heads up and I can tell you they love what they do.”

As for the event itself, Trish says she is looking forward to being a fan and watching the show.

She is adamant Punk should not end the streak, and as someone who got her break as a manager and valet is sad at the passing of Paul Bearer whom she looked to for advice and tips.

A treasure to grace any mantelpiece of mat legends, modest Trish says the role to induct her remains up in the air – but there are some special ladies in her life who would suit.

Oh, and one man, who might be a bit of a punt!

She laughs: “No it’s not confirmed, we have to wait for a couple of weeks.

“I’ve thrown my names into the hat, and I’m sure Vince has come names of his own too! It’s not simply a case of me picking.

“As everyone knows Lita is my bestie, she and I have such a special relationship from starting at the same time, and every time Trish and Lita got in the ring it was something unique, special.

“Hey, listen, there are a few people who are dear to me, have been really special people in my career but if it was Lita, Steph, Fit, any would be great. What about Vince? I wonder if he’d do it.”

FT for one is delighted that Trish has taken her place among the stellar cast of the WWE Hall of Fame. Arguably, she was at the very top of the women’s game in its heyday.

Check out trishstratus.com to stay in touch with Trish, her successful Stratusphere Yoga and Liquid Nutrition projects; or follow her on Twitter @trishstratuscom.